About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. Since 2004, CRS has provided life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable communities negatively impacted by conflict and natural disasters in areas such as the Darfur region. 

Job Summary 

CRS is looking for a Partnerships Senior Project Officer (Partnerships SPO) to support the implementation of its USAID Sudan-funded People-to-People Insijam (harmony in Arabic) Project. The Insijam Project aims to lay the foundation for reconciliation, peace, and sustainable development among people in conflict in East and Central Darfur. As the Partnerships Senior Project Officer, you will support and work closely with Insijam's local implementing partners to ensure the smooth, cost-effective, efficient, and timely implementation of the project. He/she will be responsible for processing and facilitating the disbursement of small grants to local partners to engage in local-level peacebuilding activities in the communities. 

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the Insijam sub-granting mechanism aimed at increasing civil society participation in governance, peacebuilding, and transformation processes in Darfur. Manage the identification and assessment of local civil society implementing partners.
• Oversee the day-to-day aspects of the sub-granting process to implementing partners, including reviewing partner proposals, budgets, documentation, processing sub-recipient agreements, monitoring, and reporting
• Follow up on the implementation of subgrants and maintain regular communication with civil society partners to ensure compliance with programmatic objectives, financial obligations, and reporting requirements according to the grant agreement
• Advise and mentor civil society leaders and organizations and facilitate pieces of training to strengthen civil society capacity.
• Coordinate civil society peace and advocacy processes at the locality level from both Central and East Darfur and ensure linkages and learning
• Support civil society organizations to design and implement activities aimed at promoting social cohesion in their communities 
• Work with the MEAL unit and MEAL SPO to monitor and document the progress of local partners' activity implementation and ensure that high standards are achieved per CRS and donor guidelines and per the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and the Accountability Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP).
• Support other project activities as needed. 

Basic Qualifications

• University degree in International Development, Conflict Management, Peace Building, Social Sciences and/or related subjects.
• Training and experience in working with civil society organizations and managing subgrants to local implementing partners. Experience in working with local partners implementing peacebuilding and/or protection projects would be an added advantage. 
• At least four (4) years of experience as a Project Officer, especially under USAID-funded projects. 
• A good understanding of USAID’s rules and regulations, and compliance requirements is an added advantage.
• Proven experience working through and building partnerships – particularly with local CSOs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Cross-cutting knowledge of conflict sensitivity, protection, gender, supply chain chains and safeguarding.
• Understanding and application of adaptative management approaches is highly desirable.
• Direct community and stakeholder engagement experience particularly in conflict and post-conflict environments.
• Field experience in Darfur and/or similar contexts.
• Flexibility to travel and work in diverse contexts across Darfur
• Hands-on staff management experience and experience in coaching and mentoring supervisees. 

Required/Desired Foreign Language: A good command of English and Arabic is required.

Travel Required: Regular travel between East and Central Darfur states. 50% field level travel. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to influence and get buy-in from diverse stakeholders.
• Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgment
• Strong writing skills
• Strong data collection and research skills and ability to interpret and analyze data
• Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

Key Working Relationships 

• Supervisory Responsibilities: None 
• Internal:Project Director, Project Manager, and other technical advisors
• External:  Peer agencies, Partners, private sector, project participants

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Serves with Integrity 
• Models Stewardship 
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships 
• Promotes Learning

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

 CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, human trafficking everywhere and at all times. I, the applicant, accept these requirements as part of my job application.

Submission location: - 

If interested, please submit cover letter, resume and copies of your education and work certificates to Sudanjob.net. Ensure that your cover letter or resume has a phone number where you can be reached.